Clemson Volleyball to Play Host to Big Orange Bash

Sept. 5, 2002

The Clemson volleyball team will play host to the Big Orange Bash Friday and Saturday in Jervey Gym.

The tournament begins at 4:30 p.m. Friday as Jacksonville and George Mason take the court. The Tigers will play East Carolina on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. and return to the court Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. against Jacksonville. At noon on Saturday George Mason and East Carolina will square off, followed by East Carolina and Jacksonville at 4:30 p.m. The tournament will conclude on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. as the Tigers face George Mason.

Clemson has recorded an all-time 29-6 record (.829) in the Big Orange Bash. The Tigers only losses have been to Sam Houston State (1991), Akron (1991, 2000), Colorado State (1996), South Florida (2000) and Wright State (2001).

The Tigers enter the tournament with a 1-3 record after defeating Georgia in five games on Wednesday night. Clemson has won the last five meetings with the Bulldogs. The Tigers opened the season at the Howdy’s Pepperdine Classic in Malibu, California. Clemson lost its season opener to Pepperdine 3-0 ()and was defeated 3-0 by Michigan on the second day of the tournament. In the final game in California, the Tigers lost a close match to South Florida 3-2.

The Pirates are 1-3 entering this weekend’s tournament with losses to Fresno State, Furman and Radford. East Carolina opened the 2002 season with a 3-1 victory over William and Mary at the William and Mary Invitational. The Pirates are led by Robyn Drewes who has recorded 41 kills, six blocks and a .206 hitting percentage. Pam Ferris has tallied 22 kills and a team-best 32 digs, while Sarah Vick has posted eight total blocks (one solo). Clemson is 6-2 overall against East Carolina with the last win coming in 1995. The Tigers also hold a winning record against opponents from Conference USA. Clemson is 38-21 overall against Confernce USA opponents.

The Patriots enter this weekend with a 2-2 record after hosting the Doubletree/Brion’s Grille/Patriot Invitational. Aline Pereira leads George Mason with 84 kills, 37 digs and a .330 hitting percentage. Pereira owns 6.00 kill per game average, while Shelbylynn McBride leads the Patriots in digs with 52. Jesica Umansky has handed out 182 kills, as well as recording 12 kills and 22 digs. George Mason and Clemson’s last meeting was in 1992. The Tigers have recorded a 2-2 record against the Patriots, including a win in 1992. Clemson holds a 12-7 overall record against opponents in the Colonial Athletic Association.

The Jacksonville Dolphins are 1-3 entering this weekend’s contest with losses to Eastern Michigan, Eastern Washington and Florida State. Kelly Ryals leads Jacksonville in kills and digs with 37 and 34, respectively. Danielle Neville has a team-high 10 blocks, and Alesha Rodriguez has posted 34 kills and 24 digs. Clemson and Jacksonville have met on the court six times, with the Tigers posting a perfect 6-0 record. The last meeting between the two teams was in 1997. The Tigers boast a 30-5 all-time record against teams from the Atlantic Sun Conference.

Admission to all Clemson home volleyball matches at Jervey Gym is free to the public.